Sri Lanka are facing a major setback ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, starting on July 3 in Antigua. Four players, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka, have been ruled out due to injury or illness.
Sri Lanka are already trailing 0-1 in the two-match series after losing the first Test by an innings and 217 runs. With four players unavailable, they will now have to choose their playing XI from a reduced 13-member squad instead of the original 17. As per a press release issued by SLC, Lahiru Kumara is unavailable for selection for the WI vs SL 2nd Test as he is undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining a Grade 1 strain to his right hamstring.
Sri Lanka lose four players ahead of must-win second Test against West Indies
Fernando experienced a recurrence of right-sided lower back, trunk, and hip pain while bowling in the warm-up match. While he has shown improvement, he is yet to completely recover and hence, has been ruled out of the tie. Mendis contracted a bacterial infection during the tour and is yet to completely recover. Meanwhile, Pathum Nissanka has travelled to the UK to undergo wrist surgery and will miss the second Test. The opener struggled in the first Test, scoring just 2 and 3, before deciding to leave the tour for treatment.
Nissanka is also expected to miss the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) and is doubtful for Sri Lanka’s two-Test series against India, which begins on August 15. Isitha Wijesundara is expected to make his Test debut in the WI vs SL 2nd Test, given the number of injuries that the team has suffered. As per Cricinfo, Prabath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s top specialist spinner over the last three years – will enter the XI.
Sri Lanka squad for WI vs SL 2nd Test: Nishan Madushka, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Isitha Wijesundera, Prabath Jayasuriya, Pasindu Sooriyabandara.